The Trump administration has ordered the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles following two days of protests sparked by recent immigration raids across the city. Tensions escalated as federal officers clashed with demonstrators, particularly in the Paramount area of southeast Los Angeles, where crowds gathered in opposition to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions. ICE reported 118 arrests since Friday, including a workplace raid at a warehouse in downtown Los Angeles's fashion district, where authorities claim some employees used false documents.
President Donald Trump criticised California officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom, for their handling of the situation, warning of federal intervention if local authorities failed to control the protests. For the second consecutive day, federal agents clashed with demonstrators in Paramount, as the raids sparked widespread unrest.
The protests began after ICE agents conducted large-scale enforcement operations on Friday, detaining at least 44 individuals accused of immigration offences. According to the Department of Homeland Security, around 1,000 people took to the streets that evening in response. By Saturday, the protests had spread, with smaller groups continuing to voice their anger over the raids and the federal government's immigration policies.
Video footage from the Paramount protest showed federal agents in green uniforms and gas masks, standing among overturned shopping trolleys as tear gas canisters released thick clouds of smoke into the air. Authorities warned protesters to disperse and began detaining those who refused to comply, although no official figures on arrests were released.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the military was on standby to intervene further if necessary, revealing that Marines at Camp Pendleton were on high alert. He suggested that active-duty forces could be mobilised if violence escalated&mdash;a statement that drew sharp criticism from California&rsquo;s leadership.
The federal deployment has intensified the standoff between President Trump and Governor Gavin Newsom. Normally, command of California&rsquo;s National Guard rests with the governor. However, Trump bypassed state authority by signing a presidential memorandum, citing the need to combat 'lawlessness' in California.
Governor Newsom condemned the move as 'deliberately inflammatory', warning that it would only escalate tensions. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he urged Californians to remain calm: "They want a spectacle. Don&rsquo;t give them one. Never resort to violence&mdash;speak out peacefully." He also criticised Hegseth&rsquo;s remarks as 'deranged', calling it unacceptable to threaten the use of active-duty troops against American citizens.
Trump defended the decision on his Truth Social platform, writing: "If Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass can&rsquo;t do their jobs, the federal government will. Riots and looters must be handled properly&mdash;the way it should be done."
Vice President JD Vance also weighed in, accusing left-wing leaders of undermining immigration enforcement. "Insurrectionists carrying foreign flags are attacking our officers, while half of our leadership treats border security as a threat," he posted online. White House adviser Stephen Miller, a vocal immigration hardliner, labelled the protests a &ldquo;violent insurrection.&rdquo;
Despite the inflammatory language, two U.S. officials confirmed that the Insurrection Act&mdash;the law that allows the president to deploy the military domestically&mdash;has not been invoked. The last time it was used was during the 1992 Los Angeles riots, at the request of the California governor.
Military officials confirmed that the National Guard could be mobilised quickly, with troops expected to be deployed within 24 hours.
Speaking at the protest, activist Ron Gochez, 44, said: "They cannot come into our communities, detain our people, and expect silence. They&rsquo;ll be met with organised, determined resistance."
As tensions continue to simmer, state and federal leaders remain at odds over the government&rsquo;s response to immigration enforcement, and the protests show no signs of easing.

Governor Newsom called the move 'inflammatory' and warned of rising tensions

Protests erupted after ICE raids, with 1,000 on the streets, angered by immigration actions

Trump Deploys 2,000 Troops to LA: Marines on Standby?

Protests erupted after ICE raids, with 1,000 on the streets, angered by immigration actions

June 9, 2025 | 09:42 IST